Diving into the ocean is an incredible experience, and capturing your journey with underwater photography helps keep those memories alive. You can use these photos to remember the beautiful coral reefs, take pictures of shipwrecks, or simply document your dive. However, capturing stunning images underwater requires specialized scuba diving camera gear and accessories. This is because taking underwater photos can provide many unique challenges you wouldn’t face on land. Even the best underwater camera could use a few improvements to get the best possible photos!
In this article, we will discuss the top 10 must-have accessories for scuba diving camera gear – so you can get the most out of your underwater photography adventures.
Also check out our guide on the best underwater cameras for scuba diving!
Table of Contents
Underwater Camera Accessories Reviewed in This Post
- Best All-Round Underwater Camera Housing for Everyone: SeaLife SportDiver Underwater Smartphone Housing for iPhone/Android
This waterproof smartphone housing keeps your phone safe while taking incredible underwater photos and videos. - Best Flash Light for Recreational Divers: SeaLife Sea Dragon 1300S Dive Light Power Kit
Compact and lightweight, this light is perfect for recreational divers who want to take stunning photographs of underwater life. - Best Strobe Light for Serious Underwater Photographers: Sea & Sea YS-01 Solis Strobe
This strobe is designed to give serious underwater photographers the power they need while allowing for creative and adjustable light control. - Best Underwater Camera Lens for Macro Divers: SeaLife Close-Up Lens for Micro-Series & RM-4K
This close-up lens is perfect for macro divers who want to take detailed, crisp photos of small underwater creatures. - Best Underwater Camera Lens for High Optical Performance: Fantasea UWL-09F Wide Angle Lens 5157
Capture only the best images with this wide-angle lens that enhances optical performance and image quality. - Best Color Filters for GoPro Photographers: FLIP11 Two Filter Kit for GoPro
Don’t let the colors of the underwater world get lost in translation. This filter set helps restore vibrant colors to your photos so you can capture true-to-life images. - Best Multi-Use Underwater Camera Accessory for All Divers: Sealife Sea Dragon Duo Flash Set
Complete with two lights; this set is perfect for divers looking to take creative and stunning photos easily. - Best Underwater Equipment for Keeping Your Camera Safe: Gear Keeper Deluxe Snap Clip Locking Retractor
Protect your camera from damage and loss with this secure locking retractor that keeps your gear close. - Best Camera Tray for Seamless Mounting: Light & Motion Action Camera Tray
Keep your camera in place with this adjustable tray and arm set, complete with plenty of mounting options. - Best Bag for All Your Underwater Camera Accessories: Cressi Space Backpack Bag
This spacious bag is perfect for carrying everything you need for your dive. It features many compartments to keep all your gear organized and safe.
Read on for more information and details on each product.
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Why You Need Scuba Diving Photography Accessories
Shooting some awesome images underwater is not as simple as snapping a picture on land. There are many variables that can make your underwater photography session a success or failure. You’ll need specific scuba diving camera gear accessories to get the best possible pictures.
Let’s take a look at what can affect your underwater photography and how additional accessories can help:
Water Pressure
The deeper you dive, the greater the water pressure will be on your camera and its accessories. You will need special cases and housing to protect your gear from the increased pressure.
Water Clarity
The clarity of the water can affect the quality of your photos. You may need to use specialized lighting equipment and filters to get better visibility and color in your photos.
Camera Movement
Underwater currents can cause your camera to move around more than it would on land. You need to use stabilizing gear such as trays, handles, and arms to help keep your camera steady.
Limited Lighting
The deeper you dive, the less natural light will be available. Additional light sources can help improve the visibility and quality of your photos.
Water Temperature
The temperature of the water can cause issues with battery life, condensation, and corrosion on your camera gear. Specialized underwater bags, or camera housing, can help protect your equipment from the elements.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at our top 10 camera gear accessories for scuba diving.
The Top 10 Must-Have Accessories for Underwater Photography
No matter what type of underwater photography you are trying to achieve while scuba diving, there are a few essential accessories for camera gear that every diver should have.
SeaLife SportDiver Underwater Smartphone Housing for iPhone/Android
Summary
Most people have a smartphone, but few have specialized underwater cameras. With the SeaLife SportDiver Underwater Smartphone Housing – you can take your phone underwater and shoot some great images. It is pretty pricey, you can definitely buy a camera for the same amount, but it does work with a wide range of Android and iPhone devices.
We feel the SeaLife SportDiver Smartphone Housing is best for divers who want to get started with underwater photography without learning to use a new camera.
Review Score: 9.4
Our Opinion: Best all round underwater camera equipment for everyone
Pricing: $349.00
Product Description
Lightweight, waterproof, and designed to fit the most popular smartphones – the SeaLife SportDiver Underwater Smartphone Housing allows you to take your phone underwater up to 130 feet (40 meters). The free SportDiver App lets you capture some stunning images and save them straight to your camera roll, meaning there’s no messing around with SD cards.
This robust piece of camera equipment is made from stainless steel, Polycarbonate, optical-grade glass, and aluminum. This means it’s made to last while weighing less than 1.5 pounds. Simply put, the SeaLife SportDiver Underwater Smartphone Housing provides a simple yet effective way to capture photos and videos underwater.
Key Information
- Works with most Android phones and iPhone 7 to 14 Pro Max (adjustable)
- Neutral buoyancy (depending on the smartphone used)
- Rear control buttons and a large shutter lever
- Multiple camera settings, including exposure, auto and manual focus, adjust zoom, RAW/JPEG mode, and more.
- Playback feature in the app
- Two leak alarms (on-screen and audio)
- Removable color correction filter
- Anti-fog
- Photo and video capabilities
What We Like
- Easy to set up and put your smartphone in
- Works as it should
- Simple to use
- Adaptable between phone models
- Takes brilliant photos and videos
- Uses equipment (smartphone) you already own
- Saves straight to phone camera reel
What We Dislike
- Limited to smartphone capabilities (some phones do not offer background blur, stabilization, etc.)
- Very pricey
- It may become outdated as new phones are released
- Not suitable for deep divers (beyond 40 meters)
SeaLife Sea Dragon 1300S Dive Light Power Kit
Summary
While some may not immediately think of dive lights when buying scuba diving camera gear accessories, they are still important. You don’t want to be in the dark regarding underwater photography! The SeaLife Sea Dragon 1300S Dive Light Power Kit helps you capture the features that are often lost in deep dive photography. We love this light as it is multifunctional and low-profile – ideal for divers who want to streamline their equipment.
Review Score: 9.6
Our Opinion: Best light for recreational divers
Pricing: $139
Product Description
The SeaLife Sea Dragon is the best little light we’ve seen. It is 1300 lumens, rechargeable and lightweight. The SeaLife Sea Dragon has five light modes, making it a great underwater camera light – as it also serves as a backup or primary light source.
The SeaLife Sea Dragon light features a double O-ring seal for maximum durability and comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The body of the light is made from corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum, meaning it is designed to last. It also features a color-coded battery level indicator, which gives you plenty of notice when you need to recharge.
Key Information
- Five levels to choose from: emergency SOS (1300 lumen), one-second flash signal (1300 lumen), quarter power (325 lumen), half power (650 lumen), and full power (1300 lumen).
- Battery life of 3.67 hours to 55 minutes, depending on power level
- Compact design – fits in your buoyancy control device (BCD) pocket
- Color temperature of 6000 degree K to 7000 degree K
- Long-range and narrow 8 degree (6-degree underwater) beam
- Waterproof up to 100m
- One-hand and one-button operation
- Comes with a lanyard and safety clip
What We Like
- Great price point
- Super bright light in a compact package
- Easy to operate
- Does exactly what you want a dive light to do
- Doesn’t take up much room in your BCD or dive bag
- Multiple light settings for different scenarios
- Comes with everything you need
What We Dislike
- Fairly long recharge time of 3-4 hours to get 55 minutes of use (on full power)
- Doesn’t connect to the camera housing
- Optional battery for longer usage at an additional price
Sea & Sea YS-01 Solis Strobe
Summary
We love how Sea & Sea redesigned the YS-01 Solis Strobe. It is a perfect companion for underwater photographers and videographers, from casual snorkelers to serious divers. This strobe has the power and accuracy to capture stunning images even in challenging situations. We absolutely love its wide beam angle coverage and fast recycle time – that makes it one of our top 10 camera gear accessories for scuba diving!
Review Score: 9.8
Our Opinion: Best strobe light for serious underwater photographers
Pricing: $489.95
Product Description
The Sea & Sea YS-01 Solis Strobe is a powerful, reliable, and robust strobe light. This strobe can provide up to 100 degrees x 100 degrees flat light distribution, and with its GN (guide number) of 20, it can produce bright and colorful photos even in the most challenging shooting conditions.
The Sea & Sea YS-01 Solis Strobe allows you to truly customize the output level, as there is built-in exposure control, pre-flash control, and a diffuser included as standard. With this strobe, you’ll have no problem capturing vibrant and vivid images from the depths of the sea.
Key Information
- Automatically emits the correct amount of light but also allows photographers to control the light output if needed – thanks to the built-in DS-TTL ll circuitry
- Color temperature 5600 degrees K or 5250 degrees K with diffuser
- Takes x4 Ni-MH batteries (4.8V) or x4 AA Alkaline batteries (6V)
- 230-300 total flashes depending on the batteries used
- Small size – 4″ x 4.4″ x 5.1″ (75mm x 111mm x 129mm)
- 2.5 or 1.9 seconds recycle time, depending on the batteries used
- Automatic power-off functionality
- Easy to use light level control dial (10 options)
What We Like
- Excellent power and light coverage
- Built-in exposure control, pre-flash control, and diffuser
- Compact and lightweight design
- Long battery life with many flashes
- High-quality construction
- Comes with fixing bolts and silicone grease
What We Dislike
- Costly for casual snorkelers and scuba divers
- Batteries not included with the purchase
SeaLife Close-Up Lens for Micro-Series & RM-4K
Summary
Macro diving is made easy with the SeaLife Close-Up Lens. This lens takes your underwater photos to a new level by allowing you to capture small creatures in stunning detail. We love how this lens lets us get amazing close-up shots of coral, small fish, and other marine life without disturbing the marine life.
Review Score: 9.6
Our Opinion: Best underwater camera lens for macro divers
Pricing: $59.00
Product Description
With a +10 diopter, the SeaLife Close-Up Lens allows you to capture close-up details of small creatures. This lens is compatible with all the SeaLife Micro-Series and RM-4K cameras. Its high-quality aluminum construction makes it super durable and able to withstand even the most demanding dives.
The SeaLife Close-Up Lens offers a focusing range of 6-23″ underwater and 3-6″ on land – meaning you can capture amazing close-up details even from a distance. And with its anti-reflection coating, images come out crystal clear and free of any chromatic aberration.
Key Information
- +10 Close-up diopter lens
- Single element optical grade lens
- Compatible with SeaLife Micro-Series cameras
- Good for 6-23″ underwater and 3-6″ on land
- Fits with RM-4K cameras
- Aluminum construction
- Anti-reflection coating
- Comes with a lanyard and carry pouch
- Clips on and off your camera
- Depth rating of 200′ (60m)
What We Like
- Low price range in comparison to other options
- It is easy to attach and remove even underwater
- Allows for great close-up shots
- High-quality construction
- Complete with rubber mount
What We Dislike
- Only suitable for certain cameras and lenses
- No autofocus support
Fantasea UWL-09F Wide Angle Lens 5157
Summary
When talking about accessories for scuba diving camera gear, lenses should not be neglected. A wet lens that is perfect for wide-angle photography, the Fantasea UWL-09F Wide Angle Lens 5157 will help you capture beautiful images of your underwater adventures. We really like how this lens is easy to attach and use, allowing us to get the shots we want quickly and efficiently. It also has a 67mm thread mount – meaning you can use the lens with a range of cameras and camera housing!
Review Score: 9.1
Our Opinion: Best underwater camera lens for high optical performance
Pricing: $699.95
Product Description
The Fantasea UWL-09F Wide Angle Lens 5157 is a high-quality wet lens perfect for wide-angle photography. It offers a maximum field of view of 130 degrees and no minimal focus distance, meaning no objects in the background will be out of focus. This wonderful lens also allows you to take some breathtaking photos without moving away from the action.
With its 67mm thread mount, you can easily attach this lens to almost any camera and housing! The lens dome is covered with a special anti-reflective coating and is reinforced to prevent damage. The wings on the Fantasea UWL-09F also rotate, allowing you to control the angle of coverage.
Key Information
- 67mm threaded mount
- 130-degree field of view
- No minimum focus distance
- Anti-reflective coating
- Reinforced lens dome
- Rotating wings for greater control
- Compatible with a range of cameras and camera housings
- Depth rating: 200′ (60m)
- Comes with two adapters – rubber coated base mount and compatibility with lens holders/converters
What We Like
- Easy to attach and use
- Captures sharp and clear images
- High-quality construction
- Universal compatibility between cameras and different housings
What We Dislike
- Very expensive
- Not beginner friendly – requires practice
FLIP11 Two Filter Kit for GoPro
Summary
When you first start underwater photography, you’ll likely be shocked by how dull everything can seem! After all, the water absorbs much of the light and colors. But don’t worry – with the FLIP11 Two Filter Kit for GoPro, you can make those colors pop! This filter set allows GroPro users to retain color while also helping to control contrast and highlights.
Review Score: 9.6
Our Opinion: Best color filters for GoPro Photographers
Pricing: $48.99
Product Description
The FLIP11 Two Filter Kit for GoPro is a must-have for any serious GoPro user! This set includes a multi-filter system. Each filter is best used for varying water types and depths, so you’re always ready to capture amazing shots.
The filter mount is almost indestructible, thanks to its aircraft-grade aluminum construction. It’s also designed to be easy to attach and remove – so you can quickly switch between filters without any hassle!
Key Information
- Aircraft grade anodized aluminum construction
- Compatible with GoPro Hero 8, Hero 9, Hero 10 and Hero 11 protective underwater housing
- Two filters can be attached at one time and are easily swapped out
- Easy to use flip mechanism for one finger on / off control
- Specially formulated lenses
What We Like
- Ease of use
- Two filters can be attached at once
- Good price point
- Captures colors underwater effortlessly
What We Dislike
- No extra options for more specialized colors
- Only works with certain GoPro cameras and housings
Sealife Sea Dragon Duo Flash Set
Summary
This really is the complete lighting solution for underwater photographers and should not be missed on our top 10 list of camera gear accessories for scuba diving! The Sealife Sea Dragon Flash Set includes two of our favorite lights and a universal mount to attach your camera to. This allows you to set up a lighting system for your underwater scenes and ensure that all details are properly captured.
Review Score: 9.3
Our Opinion: Best multi-use underwater camera accessory for all divers
Pricing: $799
Product Description
With its universal mount, you can connect your camera – no matter the brand. SeaLife, Canon, Olympus, Sony, and Nikon included! The Sea Dragon Flash Set offers brilliant illumination and accurate color rendition while also allowing you to control the light output. This is perfect for creating dramatic images with great contrast.
The trays, grip, and Flex arms can be used to mount both the lights and your camera, while the included case makes it easy to transport and store. The Sea Dragon Duo Flash Set can withstand depths of up to 60 meters and can manage approximately 150 flashes per battery life cycle.
Key Information
- Fast recovery of 1.5 seconds at full power
- Reduced backscatter and shadows thanks to the two flashes
- Universal compatibility
- Large controls for ease of use
- Quick-release buttons for simple detachment
- Color temperature of 57000 degree Kelvin
- Requires x4 AA Ni-MH batteries
- 8′ (2.5m) range
- Durable trays and arms made of rubber
What We Like
- Ultra bright and color accurate
- Recovery time of 1.5 seconds
- Universal compatibility – almost all camera housings can fit
- It can be used to depths of 60m
- Provide stability and balance to a camera setup
- Multiple mounting options
- Large controls for more precise lighting adjustments
- Includes storage case and trays
What We Dislike
- Investment piece – might be out of budget for some
- Batteries not included
Gear Keeper Deluxe Snap Clip Locking Retractor
Summary
No one likes losing their gear underwater, and that’s why we love the Gear Keeper Deluxe Snap Clip Locking Retractor. With its heavy-duty stainless steel spring and hardware, you can keep your expensive camera gear securely attached to you while underwater. We really appreciate the auto-recoil function, which promptly returns our camera back to our BCD.
Review Score: 10
Our Opinion: Best underwater equipment for keeping your camera safe
Pricing: $29.95
Product Description
The Gear Keeper Deluxe Snap Clip Locking Retractor can extend up to 42″ and will auto retract when you need to give your arms a rest. These handy pieces of underwater camera equipment can also be attached to your dive lights and your camera – making it a wonderful addition to your dive gear.
Made from nylon with a Kevlar core, the Gear Keeper Deluxe Snap Clip Locking Retractor is sturdy, reliable, and corrosion-resistant. It also offers three different attachment types, ensuring that whatever you need to tether, the Gear Keeper Deluxe Snap Clip Locking Retractor is up for the job.
Key Information
- Extends up to 42″ (106.7cm)
- Auto-recoil function returns the camera to the BCD
- Heavy-duty stainless steel spring and hardware
- Nylon outer material with Kevlar core for extra strength
- 3 attachment types – Split ring with clip, lanyard with clip, and mounting bracket with hardware
- Fits 3-C to 8-D, camera/video equipment, and lights
- Made in the USA
What We Like
- Affordable price tag
- Auto-recoil function for convenience
- Easy to connect and disconnect in the water
- Heavy-duty construction and materials
- Three different attachment types
- Compatible with most underwater cameras, lights, and accessories
- Works perfectly well
What We Dislike
- There is nothing we dislike
Light & Motion Action Camera Tray
Summary
It really doesn’t matter what type of camera you have – this universal camera tray from Light & Motion is designed to fit them all. It’s not just a great camera accessory; the Light & Motion Action Camera Tray also works with lights, allowing you to create the ultimate underwater camera setup. Until you dive with this tray, you won’t fully appreciate the power of its stability and balance.
Review Score: 9.7
Our Opinion: Best camera tray for seamless mounting
Pricing: $129.99
Product Description
The Light & Motion Action Camera Tray is a versatile and adjustable underwater tray designed to fit all types of cameras. It comes with various mounts and adapters to fit GroPros, DSLRs, tripod systems, and Sola lights – to name just a few!
Ideal for traveling, the 8-bead adjustment system allows you to quickly and easily adjust the arms to be the perfect length. Made from a durable plastic, the Light & Motion Action Camera Tray is both lightweight and sturdy, making it perfect for taking underwater.
Key Information
- Designed for action cameras like the GoPro Hero series
- Impact-resistant and durable arms and tray
- Comes with standard stainless steel tripod mount screw – among many additional mount options
- Allows third-party accessory mounting
What We Like
- Lightweight and durable
- Quick and easy 8-bead adjustment system
- Compatible with various camera mounts and accessories
- Universal design to fit all types of camera housing
What We Dislike
- Expensive for what it is – a plastic camera tray with arms
- The plastic feels more flimsy than expected
Cressi Space Backpack Bag
Summary
Now that you have a wide range of camera gear accessories for your next scuba diving trip, it’s important to keep them safe while travelling. The Cressi Space Backpack is our go-to day bag for all our dive gear. If you take a lot of stuff on your dives, this bag is for you! With adjustable shoulder straps and plenty of pockets to store your dive equipment – it’s the perfect companion for a day out underwater. We love how it can fit all our camera equipment and gear – it’s well worth the price.
Review Score: 9.7
Our Opinion: Best bag for all your underwater camera accessories
Pricing: $49.95
Product Description
The Cressi Space Backpack is any diver’s ultimate day dive bag. It’s made from durable Cordura, which is resistant to tears and rips, so you know it will last a long time. With adjustable shoulder straps and two side mesh pockets, the Space Backpack is designed to fit all your dive gear comfortably.
Plus, you can store your camera and other equipment in the various compartments – so you’re all set for your underwater photography session!
Key Information
- Made from Cordura fabric
- Dual front and side mesh pockets
- Enough room to fit a laptop and travel scuba gear
- Padded for equipment safety
- Zipper closure
What We Like
- Durable and lightweight
- Plenty of space for organization
- Padded for extra safety and protection
- Top grab handle and comfortable backpack straps
What We Dislike
- Not waterproof
- Will require individual cases for delicate camera equipment, like lenses and cameras
Final Thoughts on Scuba Diving Camera Gear
There are so many options for taking your camera gear out on a dive, and all of them have their own pros and cons. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight camera tray, a bag to keep all your gear together, or something more durable and waterproof like a housing – there’s an option for everyone.
With so many brilliant choices, you can create the ultimate underwater camera setup to get those perfect shots. And don’t forget the most important thing – have fun and take your time to appreciate everything the ocean has to offer!
